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2010 Chevrolet Equinox P0016 P0017 P0089 Fault: Rough Idle, Low Power, StabiliTrak Warning - Timing Chain Guide Damage & Camshaft Actuator Issues

Model: 2010 Equinox Fault Code: P0016 Posted: 2018-03-19 10:00

My 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is displaying persistent ECM fault codes P0016, P0017, and P0089, along with a very rough idle, significant loss of power, and an active StabiliTrak service alarm. After researching similar cases on this forum, I found that some users resolved the issue by replacing camshaft actuators—however, in my case, the actuators have 150,000 miles on them and are not the source of the problem. I recently performed a timing chain replacement and discovered that the front timing chain guide was broken into pieces, with the mounting bolts also damaged. After reassembly and resetting the timing marks, engine performance remained poor. I then replaced both intake and exhaust camshaft phasers (VVT solenoids), which were clogged with plastic and metal shavings—this did not resolve the issue. Using a dedicated OBD2 code reader, I confirmed the fault codes are persistent. The original post suggested incorrect actuators were installed, but given that my actuators match the correct part numbers (intake: D8 300, actuator 12578515; exhaust: 12621505), and both are black (not gray), I believe this is not the root cause. However, I suspect over-torquing during installation—possibly due to a faulty torque wrench—may have damaged the actuators or related components. I am now hesitant to invest further in repairs, as total repair costs are approaching the price of a used engine. I'm seeking confirmation: could these codes be caused by timing chain guide failure or misalignment despite correct marks? Are there other potential sources such as intake camshaft position sensor issues or worn camshafts? I have not yet replaced the intake camshaft position sensor or inspected the camshafts themselves, and am considering whether a full engine rebuild might be necessary.

Related fault codes
P0016P0017P0089
Comments (3)
Anonymous 2018-03-19 11:52

Attached images show the timing chain guide damage and actuator condition. The front guide was visibly fractured, and mounting bolts were stripped.

Anonymous 2018-03-20 13:10

Thanks for sharing Kev2—this is helpful. I’ve confirmed that my timing chain marks match exactly with the original chain after removal. I verified part numbers: intake camshaft (D8 300), intake actuator (12578515), and exhaust actuator (12621505). Both actuators are black, not gray—this contradicts some reports suggesting a switch between 2010 and 2011 models. It appears GM used the same actuator for both intake and exhaust in the 2010 Equinox. I’ve ordered new camshaft phasers (VVT solenoids) as a next step, but I’m still uncertain if this will resolve the issue. The only remaining components not replaced are the intake camshaft position sensor and the actual camshafts themselves. Any insights on whether these could be contributing to P0016/P0017/P0089 would be greatly appreciated.

Anonymous 2021-05-31 18:01

Hi, I'm experiencing the same codes—P0016, P0017, and P0089. My vehicle is a 2010 Equinox with similar symptoms: rough idle, low power, and StabiliTrak warning. I've replaced the timing chain and checked actuator part numbers, but no improvement. Could this be related to camshaft position sensor failure or internal engine wear? Any suggestions on what to check next would be very helpful—thank you!